Disasterland Moving Towards Cashless Payments

In a move that could leave Scrooge McDuck grumpy, Disneyland is piloting cashless payment methods at some of its outdoor vending carts.

The new signage indicates these locations are “CASHLESS,” requiring guests to pay with credit cards, Disney gift cards, or mobile payments. The gift cards can be obtained from nearby merchandise stores.

The shift began late April and currently involves more than 25% of the outdoor vending carts, primarily those selling prepackaged items such as ice cream and beverages. Cash is still accepted at some locations offering freshly prepared snacks like popcorn and fruit.

Multiple Payment Options

Disney guests already have several options to avoid using cash. The company partners with Chase on credit cards and recently introduced the Disney Inspire Visa Card, offering up to $600 in incentives including a $300 eGift card.

Other payment methods include Disney gift cards available at parks and retailers often at a discount. Additionally, the MagicMobile service allows payments through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

Rationale Behind Cashless Carts

The push towards cashless vending is driven by several factors including reduced operational costs and security risks associated with handling cash. Faster transactions are achieved by eliminating the need for cash registers and change.

It’s a strategy to reduce cash at standalone vendors, making transactions quicker,” explained Jordan Hirschfield from Javelin Strategy & Research. Most people likely use gift cards for major purchases while relying on credit or debit cards for smaller items like popcorn or ice cream.”

A Larger Industry Trend

Disneyland is part of a broader trend towards cashless systems, as seen at Walt Disney World and other major theme parks including Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld, and Six Flags.

The pilot program will continue based on guest feedback with the possibility of expanding to a fully cashless park in the future.